After following a deep run into the 2006 playoffs with a 5-5 record in 2007, Caney Creek coach Glenn Hill is shaking things up in 2008.

The biggest change for Caney Creek will be on the defensive side of the ball where the Panthers will use a 3-4, something Hill has not used in years.

“We’ve got a bunch of linebacker type guys, so we’ve tinkered things a little bit to enable us to get those guys on the field more,” Hill said. “Last year I looked up and down the sidelines and I had a guys standing with me that I wanted in the game.

“This enables me to get those linebacker type guys in the game more than other defenses might allow me to.”

The defense is led by linebackers Eder Perez and Jaren Young. Perez led the team with 123 tackles a year ago. Young assumes the position after starting on offense in 2007.

“Our secondary was a concern last year,” Hill said. “But we had a great spring. We have six kids that could start and I’m not sure which ones will yet.”

The Panthers return 11 starters from a year ago, but five will be starting in different spots.

Glenn Hill, the District 18-4A Newcomer of the Year at receiver, moves to the quarterback position.

“People who have seen us over the years would say that we’re a run-oriented team,” the coach said. “But we are going to try and throw the ball more this year.

“I’m not one that says we’re going to be 50-50. I don’t care about that. We’re going to do whatever it takes to win.”

The running game will be led by senior Tyler Bynum, who takes over at running back after playing the previous two seasons in the secondary. Hill said he expects great things from sophomore running back Marques Sykes, who could also see time in the defensive backfield.

In addition to the improved secondary, the Panthers should have a much improved offensive line, Hill said.

“We’ve got a good mixture of players with experience and younger kids,” Hill said. “We have a good handful of starters who are switching positions.

“We made a lot of changes in the spring but based on our spring workouts the kids should be very successful.”

Notes: WR Sapp is ranked second in senior class academically; Panthers were first in District 18-4A in pass defense in 2007 (84.1 yards per game). Coach Glenn Hill begins his 28th year of coaching in 2008.